System for performing vascular anastomoses

ABSTRACT

Systems for anastomosing a first hollow tissue structure to a second hollow tissue structure are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, such a system comprises at least one tissue securing member adapted to secure the first and second hollow tissue structures together, and a device for applying the tissue securing member to the tissue structures. The tissue securing member is preferably configured to pass through only one of the tissue structures, and is movable from a first configuration to a second configuration which results in a compressive force being applied to the tissue structures. The systems are particularly useful for performing anastomosis of blood vessels in heart surgery.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from co-pending provisional applicationSer. No. 60/073,294, filed Jan. 23, 1998.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates primarily to a system for performing ananastomosis between a first hollow tissue structure, for example, avascular conduit such as a vein, artery or artificial blood vessel, anda second hollow tissue structure, for example, an aorta or anothervascular conduit. The invention may, however, find use in otherapplications.

2. Description of Related Art

Many devices and methods have been proposed for performing ananastomosis (graft) between blood vessels. One of the most commonsurgical procedures carried out today which requires performing ananastomosis is coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), commonly referredto as bypass surgery. This procedure is used to treat patients sufferingfrom coronary disease in the form of one or more coronary arteries thatare partially or completely blocked by stenoses. When blood flow throughthe coronary arteries is restricted or occluded, the cardiac muscletissue becomes deprived of adequate blood flow, which eventually resultsin death of the muscle tissue. Interventional procedures other thanbypass surgery, for example, angioplasty and atherectomy, are also usedto treat occluded coronary arteries. However, bypass surgery is usuallydesirable or necessary to treat patients suffering from severe ormultiple coronary artery blockages, or when other interventionalprocedures have been or would likely be unsuccessful.

In order to bypass a blockage in a coronary artery, the surgeon mustanastomose a vascular conduit which is in communication with a source ofarterial blood to the coronary artery at a location downstream of theblockage. The vascular conduit may be a native artery carrying bloodfrom the patient's heart, for example, the right or left internalmammary artery (IMA). In such case, the artery may be transected fromthe patient's body to provide a free end which is prepared for distalanastomosis to the coronary artery. Alternatively, the IMA may betransected and removed from the body and one end prepared foranastomosis to an arterial blood source and the other to a coronaryartery. Further, depending on the number of coronary arteries which areblocked, in addition to using the right and/or left IMA, other vascularconduits may be needed. One end of each conduit is prepared for distalanastomosis to the coronary artery, while the other end is prepared forproximal anastomosis to an arterial blood source, for example, theaorta. The vascular conduits may be harvested from the patient's body,suitable examples of which include the left or right IMA, inferiorepigastric artery, splenic artery, subclavian artery, saphenous vein,etc. Also, animal or synthetic vascular conduits may be used instead ofor in addition to those mentioned above.

The most common form of bypass surgery involves bypassing blockages inmultiple coronary arteries, e.g., quadruple, five or six-way bypassprocedures. As a result, most bypass procedures require a number ofvascular conduits to form the necessary anastomoses. However, there is alimited number of native arterial conduits available which may be usedby simply attaching one end to a blocked coronary artery. As such, it isusually necessary to use free conduits or grafts, which requires formingan anastomosis at both ends of each conduit, one end to an arterialblood source and the other end to the blocked coronary artery. Thepatient's aorta is a desirable arterial blood source to which theproximal end of one or more conduits may be anastomosed. As is the casewith all other anastomoses, the surgeon must securely suture theproximal end of each conduit to the patient's aorta in order to obtain astrong, fluid tight connection, which is a highly technical and timeconsuming procedure. Nevertheless, when performing bypass surgery viaconventional, open-chest procedures in which the patient's sternum issplit and retracted, the surgeon has essentially unobstructed access tothe heart and aorta, which reduces the difficulty of forming theproximal anastomoses between the vascular conduits and the patient'saorta.

During the last several years, however, there has been a movement awayfrom open-chest surgery toward minimally invasive cardiac surgery. Someof the cardiac procedures presently being performed in a minimallyinvasive manner include, for example, coronary artery bypass, mitral oraortic valve repair or replacement, and septal defect repair. Theseprocedures are typically carried out through incisions made between theribs, which requires surgeons to operate with considerably less accessto the heart and aorta as compared to open-chest procedures. Thisreduced access to the heart has increased the difficulty and timeassociated with forming the anastomoses between the vascular conduitsand the patient's arteries, and in particular, the proximal anastomosesbetween the vascular conduits and the patient's aorta. Morespecifically, the already highly technical procedure of suturing thevascular conduits to the aorta or other arterial blood source (as wellas to the coronary arteries) is even more difficult when the surgeon isoperating through a small port, c.g., an incision 3 or 4 inches inlength. As a secure, fluid tight anastomosis is highly desirable inorder to provide long term patency of the conduit bypassing theblockage, minimally invasive cardiac surgery presents significantchallenges for the surgeon.

The devices and methods used in conventional open-chest cardiac surgery,however, are not always usable or readily adaptable to carry outminimally invasive cardiac surgery. The use of suture to form theanastomoses in the standard in cardiac surgery. As noted above, though,using suture to anastomose the respective vascular conduits isparticularly difficult when performing a minimally invasive cardiacprocedure. Although stapling devices are commonly used duringlaparoscopic procedures to join various tissue structures, they are notdesigned or easily adaptable for use in minimally invasive cardiacsurgery. As a result, there is a need in the art for an effectivealternative to using suture in order to carry out minimally invasivecardiac procedures, and in particular forming anastomoses between hollowtissue structures when access to the tissue is limited.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, a system is provided foranastomosing a first hollow tissue structure to a second hollow tissuestructure. In one preferred embodiment, the system comprises at leastone tissue securing member adapted to secure the first and second hollowbody structures together, and a device for applying the member to thetissue structures. The tissue securing member is preferably configuredto secure the tissue structures together by passing through only one ofthe tissue structures. The member is carried on an applier in a firstconfiguration and is changed into a second, different configurationwhich results in a compressive force being applied to the tissuestructures, thereby securing the tissue structure together in fluidcommunication.

In a more specific preferred embodiment, the member is in a firstconfiguration and is permanently deformed to assume the secondconfiguration. In another specific preferred embodiment, the member isformed so that it assumes a first configuration when unbiased, is biasedinto a second configuration when initially engaged with the first tissuestructure, and then is permitted to return to the first configuration inorder to secure the tissue structures together.

The tissue securing members are preferably separate, discrete elementsthat are spaced around the anastomosis. Additionally, in one specificpreferred embodiment, the members are the only structure that exertscompressive force to join the tissue structures. In another specificpreferred embodiment, the members are coupled to a hub that also exertscompressive force on the tissue structures.

In another aspect of the invention, a method of anastomosing a firsthollow tissue structure to a second hollow tissue structure is provided.In one preferred embodiment, the method comprises passing a firstportion of at least one anastomosis device in a first configurationthrough an end of a first hollow tissue structure, and positioning theend of the first hollow tissue structure and the first portion of theanastomosis device through an opening formed in a wall of a secondhollow tissue structure. The first and second hollow tissue structuresare secured together by changing the configuration of the anastomosisdevice to compress the end of the first hollow tissue structure againstthe wall of the second hollow tissue structure, this step preferablybeing performed without passing the anastomosis device through thesecond hollow tissue structure. As a result, the first hollow tissuestructure is secured in communication with the opening in the secondhollow tissue. As an example, in one preferred application the firsthollow tissue structure is a vascular conduit and the second hollow bodystructure is a patient's aorta.

In a more specific preferred embodiment, the end of the first hollowtissue structure is everted and the tissue securing element, in a firstconfiguration, is passed through the everted end and then positioned inthe opening in the second hollow tissue structure. The configuration ofthe securing element is then changed to form the anastomosis by securingthe first and second hollow tissue structures together.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

Other features, benefits and advantages of the invention will beapparent from the detailed description of preferred embodiments whichfollows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing Figures,wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an anastomosis system constructedaccording to one embodiment of the invention, the system comprising anapplier loaded with tissue securing members for anastomosing a firsthollow tissue structure to a second hollow tissue structure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 1, after afirst hollow tissue structure has been loaded on the applier;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the system shown in FIG. 2, after theapplier has been positioned in an opening formed in a second hollowtissue structure;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 3, after the applierhas been actuated to apply the tissue securing members and anastomosethe first hollow tissue structure to the second hollow tissue structure;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 4, showing theanastomosis after the applier has been removed from the hollow tissuestructures;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the anastomosis shown in FIG. 5 viewedfrom inside the second hollow tissue structure;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of an applier and tissue securing membersconstructed according to another embodiment of the invention, the systemcomprising an applier loaded with tissue securing members and a firsthollow tissue structure, and the applier shown positioned in an openingformed in a second hollow tissue structure;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 8 showing the applierafter it has been actuated to anastomose the first hollow tissuestructure to the second hollow tissue structure;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 8 showing theanastomosis after the applier has been removed from the hollow tissuestructures;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of an anastomosis system constructedaccording to yet another embodiment of the invention, the systemcomprising an applier loaded with tissue securing members and a firsthollow tissue structure, and the applier shown positioned in an openingformed in a second hollow tissue structure;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 10 showing the applierafter it has been actuated to anastomose the first hollow tissuestructure to the second hollow tissue structure;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 11 showing theanastomosis after the applier has been removed from the hollow tissuestructures;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an anastomosis system constructedaccording to yet another embodiment of the invention, the systemcomprising an applier loaded with tissue securing members foranastomosing a first hollow tissue structure to a second hollow tissuestructure;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 13 after afirst hollow tissue structure has been loaded on the applier and engagedwith the tissue securing members;

FIG. 15 is a sectional view showing the anastomosis formed between thefirst hollow tissue structure and a second hollow tissue structure afterthe applier shown in FIG. 14 has been positioned in an opening in thesecond hollow tissue structure, actuated, and then removed;

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of an anastomosis systemconstructed according to another embodiment of the invention, the systemcomprising an applier and a hub for anastomosing a first hollow tissuestructure to a second hollow tissue structure;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the anastomosis system shown in FIG. 16with the hub loaded on the applier;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 17 after afirst hollow tissue structure has been loaded on the applier and hub,with tissue securing members exploded from the applier;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 18 after thetissue securing members have been engaged with the first hollow tissuestructure and loaded on the applier and hub;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 19 after theapplier, hub, first hollow tissue structure, and tissue securing membershave been positioned in an opening formed in the second hollow tissuestructure;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the applier shown in FIG. 16 in a firststage of actuation;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the applier shown in FIG. 21 in asecond stage of actuation;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the applier shown in FIG. 22 in a thirdstage of actuation;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view corresponding to FIG. 20, partially insection, showing the anastomosis after the applier has been actuated toapply the hub and tissue securing members and then removed;

FIG. 25 is a sectional view of the anastomosis shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the anastomosis shown in FIGS. 24 and25 viewed from inside the second hollow tissue structure;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an anastomosis including a hubconstructed according to another embodiment of the invention, andwherein the tissue securing members are positioned differently than inthe previous embodiments;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an anastomosis including a hubconstructed according to yet another embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 29A and 29B are sectional views of an anastomosis including a huband tissue securing members constructed according to another embodimentof the invention, showing the sequence in which the members are actuatedto compress the first and second hollow tissue structures together; and

FIGS. 30A and 30B are sectional views of an anastomosis including a huband tissue securing members constructed according to still anotherembodiment of the invention, the Figures showing the sequence in whichthe members are actuated to compress the first and second hollow tissuestructures together.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides an anastomosis system comprising variousdevices and associated methods of using the devices to performanastomosis of hollow tissue structures, which may be vascular ornonvascular structures. The devices and methods will be described inconnection with a preferred application thereof, namely, coronary arterybypass grafting during which a vascular conduit, such as a vein, artery,or artificial conduit, is anastomosed to an aorta. It will be understoodthat the invention will find use in various other applications notspecifically described herein.

With the foregoing as background, FIG. 1 illustrates an anastomosissystem indicated generally by the reference numeral 10 which comprisesan applier 12 and a plurality of tissue securing members 14. The applier12 includes first and second applier members 16, 18 which are relativelymovable. In the illustrated embodiment, the member 16 is positionedwithin the member 18 in a sliding, telescoping manner; however, it willbe recognized that alternative configurations may be used to achieverelative movement between the first and second applier members.

The preferred applier member 16 is in the form of an elongate bodyterminating in a bell-shaped end 20 and having a hollow interiordefining a bore 22 configured to receive a first hollow tissue structureso that an end of the structure extends beyond the bell-shaped end 20.The preferred applier member 18 also is in the form of a hollow body anddefines a bore 24 in which the member 16 is slidably positioned. Themember 18 terminates in an end defining a rim or flange 26 whichcooperates with an end surface 28 to form a recess configured to receivethe tissue securing members 14. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, thetissue securing members 14 are formed in a first configuration which isgenerally L-shaped and comprises a first leg 30 which is shaped toextend along the bell-shaped end 20 of the applier member 16, and asecond leg 32 which sits in the recess defined by the end surface 28 andrim 26. The tissue securing members 14 are sized and configured so thatthey are retained by compressive force exerted by the first and secondapplier members 16, 18. The first leg 30 of each securing member 14terminates in a sharpened tip 34 configured to be passed through a firsthollow tissue structure (not shown in FIG. 1).

FIG. 2 shows the anastomosis system 10 after a first hollow tissuestructure T1 has been loaded onto the applier 12 and engaged with thetissue securing members 14. The tissue structure T1, which in theillustrated embodiment is a vascular conduit such as an artery, vein orartificial conduit, is passed through the bore 22 in the applier member16 by any suitable means. For example, a snare may be threaded throughthe bore 22 and engaged with the tissue structure T1 to pull thestructure through the bore until the end E of the structure extendsslightly beyond the bell-shaped end 20 of the applier member 16. The endE of the tissue structure T1 is then everted as shown and pushed overthe sharpened tips 34 of the tissue securing members 14, the resultingconfiguration being shown in FIG. 2. The tips 34 of the securing members14 are preferably passed through the everted end E a sufficient distancefrom the edge of the tissue structure T1 to obtain a firm grip whileminimizing the possibility of tearing the tissue. Also, while in theillustrated embodiment the end of the first tissue structure T1 iseverted approximately 90°, it will be appreciated that it may be evertedmore or less than 90°.

Next, referring to FIGS. 3-5, the applier 12, tissue securing members14, and first hollow tissue structure T1 are positioned against a secondhollow tissue structure T2 through which an opening O has been formed.In the illustrated embodiment, the second hollow tissue structure T2 isan aorta and the opening O is an aortotomy formed in the wall of theaorta by suitable means, for example, an aortic punch (not shown). Asshown in FIG. 3, the first tissue structure T1 and the securing members14 are passed through the opening O so as to be in close proximity tothe edge of the opening O with the legs 32 of the members 14 pressedagainst the wall of structure T2. The applier 12 is then actuated tomanipulate the tissue securing members 14 from their first configurationto a second, different configuration which results in compressing theeverted end E of the first tissue structure T1 against the interiorsurface of the wall of the second tissue structure T2.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tissue securing members 14 are formedof a rigid material, such as stainless steel or other suitableimplantable materials, and actuation of the applier 12 deforms themembers 14 from their first configuration (FIG. 3) to a secondconfiguration (FIGS. 4 and 5). This is achieved by moving the appliermember 16 away from the second tissue structure T2 with respect to theapplier member 18. This causes the bell-shaped end 20 of the appliermember 16 to fold the first leg 30 of each tissue securing member 14toward the second leg 32 and into contact with the wall of the secondtissue structure T2, which sandwiches the end E of the first tissuestructure T1 between the leg 30 and the tissue structure T2. The members14 and the applier member 16 are complementarily configured so that wheneach member 14 has been collapsed to its second configuration theapplier member 16 can be slid out of the opening O and removed alongwith the applier member 18, leaving a secure, leak tight anastomosis asshown in FIG. 5. The applier members 16, 18 are preferably formed of arigid, sturdy material such as stainless steel.

Accordingly, the anastomosis shown in FIG. 5 is formed without thetissue securing members 14 penetrating completely through the wall ofthe second tissue structure T2. FIG. 6 is a view from inside the secondtissue structure T2 and shows the tissue securing members 14 positionedcircumferentially around the opening O and the end E of the first tissuestructure T1. FIG. 6 also shows the nature of the anastomosis when theinvention is used in its preferred application—forming a proximalanastomosis between a vascular conduit and an aorta (wherein the distalend of the vascular conduit V is occluded by a clamp C). While theillustrated anastomosis system includes eight tissue securing memberswhich are applied simultaneously by the applier 12, it will beappreciated that any desired number of securing members may be used.

FIGS. 7-9 illustrate an anastomosis system constructed according toanother embodiment of the invention which is similar to the previousembodiment in that a plurality of tissue securing members are collapsedby an applier to secure first and second tissue structures together.This embodiment comprises an applier 12A including a first appliermember 16A slidably disposed within a second applier member 18A, theapplier member 16A having a bore 22A in which a first tissue structureis positioned. The second applier member 18A has a rim 26A and a surface28A which cooperate to define a recess which receives a plurality oftissue securing members 14A.

Each securing member 14A is formed in a first, generally L-shapedconfiguration and comprises a first leg 30A with a tip 34A passingthrough the end E of the first tissue structure T1, and a second leg 32Alocated in the recess of the applier member 18. The members 14A arewedged between the outer surface of the applier member 16A and the rim26A of the applier member 18A so as to be retained in the applier. Thefirst applier member 16A has a straight end 20A (rather than abell-shaped end) which serves to manipulate the tissue securing members14A to their second configuration. As shown in FIG. 7, the straight end20A of the applier member 16A is engaged with a rib 36A formed on thesecond leg 32A of each securing member 14A.

As shown in FIG. 8, the first leg 30A of each tissue securing members 14is folded against the wall of the second tissue structure T2 (capturingthe first tissue structure T1 therebetween) by moving the applier member16A toward the tissue structure T2 with respect to the applier member18A. This action causes the end 20A of the applier member 16A to driveagainst the rib 36A on each tissue securing member 14, which collapsesthe leg 30A of each member 14 against the wall of the second tissuestructure T2. When the tissue securing members 14 have been collapsedcompletely, the ribs 36A have moved a sufficient distance to permit theapplier member 16A to be removed along with the applier member 18A. Theresulting anastomosis is shown in FIG. 9.

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate an anastomosis system constructed according toanother embodiment of the invention which also is similar to theprevious embodiments in that a plurality of tissue securing members arecollapsed against first and second tissue structures by an applier. Thisembodiment comprises an applier 12B which includes a first appliermember 16B slidably disposed within a second applier member 18B, theapplier member 16B having a bore 22B in which a first tissue structureis positioned. The applier supports a plurality of tissue securingmembers 14B. However, the tissue securing members 14B are supported bythe applier 12B by a positive locking structure rather than compressiveforces. In particular, the second leg 32B of each tissue securing member14B is provided with a flange 38B which is received in a complementarilyshaped groove 40B formed in the end surface 28B of the applier member18B.

Actuation of the applier 12B to collapse the tissue securing members 14Binto their second configuration is shown in FIG. 11 and is preferablythe same as described above with respect to embodiment of FIGS. 7-9.Upon completion of such actuation, the applier members 16B, 18B areremoved from the tissue securing members 14B, with the resultinganastomosis shown in FIG. 12. The end surface 28B of the second appliermember 18B may be provided with open areas (not shown) that communicatewith the grooves 40B so that the applier member 18B engages the flanges38B of the tissue securing members 14B in a bayonet-type attachment,thus permitting the applier member 18B to be rotated to align the openareas with the flanges 38B and permit removal of the member 18B from themembers 14B.

FIGS. 13-15 illustrate an anastomosis system constructed according toyet another embodiment of the invention which also is similar to theprevious embodiments in that a plurality of tissue securing members arecollapsed against respective tissue structures by an applier. Thisembodiment comprises an applier 12C which includes a first appliermember 16C slidably disposed within a second applier member 18C, theapplier member 16C having a bore 22C in which a first tissue structureis positioned. The applier members 16C, 18C support a plurality oftissue securing members 14C each of which comprises a first leg 30C anda second leg 32C. The second leg 32C terminates in an upturned,sharpened tip 42C. In addition, the applier member 18C has an endsurface 28C provided with notches 44C each of which receives a secondleg 32C of a tissue securing member 14C. The first leg 30C of eachtissue securing member 14C abuts the applier member 16C so that themembers 14C are removably supported by the applier.

As can be seen from FIG. 13, the applier member 16C has a bell-shapedend 20C which drives against the first leg 30C of each tissue securingmember 14C upon moving the applier member 16C with respect to theapplier member 18C, as described above in connection with the embodimentshown in FIGS. 1-6. Thus, after the end of the first tissue structure T1has been everted over the sharpened tips 34C of each tissue securingmember 14C, as shown in FIG. 14, the applier is actuated to collapse themember 14C and compress the end E of the tissue structure T1 against theinterior of the wall of the tissue structure T2. As shown in FIG. 15,however, in this embodiment the tissue securing members 14C partiallypenetrate the second tissue structure T2 due to the sharpened tips 42Cprovided on the leg 32 of each member 14C. It may be desirable topartially penetrate the tissue structure T2 in order to enhanceattachment of the tissue securing members to the tissue. It will berecognized that the sharpened tips 42 shown in FIGS. 13-15 are but oneexample of structure which may be utilized to achieve this result. Also,it will be understood that the previous embodiments may be provided withsharpened tips or other structure for partially penetrating the secondtissue structure.

In each of the above embodiments, the tissue securing members passthrough only one of the tissue structures and are manipulated tocompress the respective tissue structures together. It is preferred thatthe members do not pass through the other tissue structure, though theymay partially penetrate same in order to enhance locking as shown inFIG. 15. Also, while in each embodiment the tissue securing members areapplied simultaneously by the applier, it will be appreciated that theymay instead be applied individually. Further, while the first tissuestructure is illustrated as passing through the applier, it will beunderstood that the applier could be configured to be passed through thetissue structure and actuated to compress or otherwise manipulate thesecuring members, and thereafter removed through the tissue member.

The various embodiments illustrate that the tissue securing members maybe held by one or both of the applier members, and that some form of apositive locking structure may be used. In addition to the flange andgroove shown in FIGS. 10-12, other structure, for example, undercuts,holes, notches, etc. may be used to temporarily attach the tissuesecuring members to the applier. The above embodiments also show thatthe applier may be actuated in various manners to manipulate the tissuesecuring members from the first to the second configuration. Forexample, the applier members may be configured to manipulate the tissuesecuring members on their own, or the securing members may be providedwith structure to assist the action of the applier. Also, one of theapplier members may be moved while the other remains stationary, or bothmay be moved in unison (or one after the other). It will be understoodthat the applier members may be moved in various directions tomanipulate the tissue securing members. In addition, although theFigures illustrate the applier and tissue securing members engaging thetissue structures in a generally perpendicular manner, they could alsoengage the tissue structures at an angle. Finally, while the preferredembodiments are illustrated forming an end-to-side anastomosis, it willbe recognized that they could also be used to form an end-to-endanastomosis.

Turning now to FIGS. 16-26, an anastomosis system constructed accordingto another embodiment of the invention will be described. The system isdesignated generally by the reference numeral 50 and comprises anapplier 52 in which a hub is removably mounted (FIG. 16). The applier 52comprises a body portion 56 including a rim 58 and an end surface 60which cooperate to define a recess that receives the hub 54. The bodyportion 56 is hollow and defines a bore 62 which contains a hollowplunger 64 (FIG. 22). The plunger defines a bore 66 configured toreceive a first hollow tissue structure. Two spring latches 68 (FIG. 23)are located on the outer surface of the body portion 56 and have ends 70which engage the periphery of the hub 54 to hold it in the recessagainst the rim 58. A sleeve 72 is slidably disposed on the body portion56 and, when in a forward position as shown in FIG. 16, biases thespring latches 68 inwardly to hold the hub 54 on the applier 52.

The preferred hub 54 is disc-shaped and has a central opening 74 whichreceives the first tissue structure; however, as discussed below, thehub may take various forms. A plurality of barbs 76 (or similarstructure) is provided on the surface of the hub 54 for engaging the endof the first tissue structure. A plurality of openings 78 are formed inthe hub 54 for receiving a plurality of tissue securing members whichpass through the first tissue structure and engage a second hollowtissue structure.

With the hub 54 is positioned in the recess in the body portion 56 ofthe applier, as shown in FIG. 17, the first tissue structure T1 isthreaded through the bore 62 and through the bore 66 in the plunger 64until the end of the tissue structure extends slightly beyond the hub54. For example, a snare (not shown) may be used to grasp the tissuestructure T1 as described in connection with the embodiments discussedabove. The end of the first tissue structure T1 is then everted andpressed onto the barbs 76, the resulting configuration being shown inFIG. 18. The end E of the first tissue structure T1 is shown evertedapproximately 90°, although it may be everted more or less than 90°.

Next, a plurality of tissue securing members a repassed through the endE of the first tissue structure T1 and through the openings 78 in thehub 54. The preferred tissue securing members comprise hooks 80 (FIG.19) each of which is U-shaped and has a closed end 82 and sharpened ends84. In one preferred embodiment, the hooks 84 are formed of a strong,highly resilient material, for example, stainless steel or asuperelastic material such as nitinol. Each hook 80 is formed in a firstconfiguration, shown in phantom in FIG. 18, which is generally C-shapedwith the closed end 82 adjacent to the sharpened end s 84. The hooks 80are biased from the first configuration to a second configuration, shownin solid in FIG. 18, which is generally straight. The hooks 80 arepreferably preloaded on a cartridge (not shown) having openings whichreceive the closed ends 82 of the hooks and maintain them in the secondconfiguration. The cartridge preferably is provided with a mechanism forejecting the hooks 80. Thus, the cartridge is positioned against theapplier 52 with the sharpened ends 84 of the hooks 80 aligned with theopenings 78 in the hub 54, the cartridge preferably including structureor and indicator to aid in aligning the hooks 80 and the openings 78 inthe hub.

The cartridge is actuated to eject the hooks so as to force thesharpened ends 84 through the end E of the first tissue structure T1 andthrough the openings 78 in the hub 54. The resulting configuration isshown in FIG. 19. The hooks 80 are held in the applier 52 and possess aconsiderable amount of stored energy due to their being manipulated fromthe first to the second configuration. Next, the applier is positionedagainst the second tissue structure T2 so that the hooks 80 extendthrough an opening O formed therein, and the end E of the first tissuestructure T1 is pressed against the outer surface of the wall of thetissue structure T2. This configuration is shown in FIG. 20. The applier52 is now ready to be actuated to secure the first and second hollowtissue structures together to form the anastomosis.

Operation of the applier 52 will be described with particular referenceto FIGS. 21A-23B, which illustrate the applier 52 without the hub 54 orfirst tissue structure T1 for purposes of explanation. FIG. 21A showsthe applier 52 in its initial configuration prior to loading of the hub54 and the first tissue structure T1. FIG. 21B is an end view of theactuator in this configuration. As can be seen from these Figures, thebore 62 in the body portion 56 of the applier is provided with aplurality of slots 86 around its periphery, each slot 86 correspondingto one of the hooks 80. Thus, when the hooks 80 are loaded onto theapplier they pass through the end E of the first tissue structure T1,through the openings 78 in the hub 54, and into the slots 86. As such,the slots 86 hold the hooks 80 in their second configuration and preventthem from returning to their first configuration.

The applier 52 is actuated by depressing the end 88 of the plunger 64,which may be performed by grasping extensions 90 of a collar 92 with twofingers and pressing the end 88 with the thumb. This results in theconfiguration shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, wherein the plunger 64 hasmoved forward to a point where it is flush with the end surface 60 ofthe body portion 56. The plunger 64 comprises a tubular body withextensions 94 having a shape complementary to the slots 86 in the bodyportion 56. As the plunger 64 moves forward, the extensions 94 slideforward within the slots 86. The extensions 94 contact the sharpenedpoints 84 of the hooks 80 to force the hooks 80 out the slots 86. Thehooks 80 are then free to assume their first configuration (shown inphantom in FIG. 18) which results in the closed ends 82 of the hooksturning outward and clamping against the interior surface of the secondtissue structure T2 (as shown in FIG. 24).

Next, referring to FIGS. 23A and 23B, the sleeve 72 is retracted awayfrom the second tissue structure T2 which allows spring latches 68 tomove radially outward so that the ends 70 thereof disengage theperiphery of the hub 54. The applier 52 may then be removed from thesecond tissue structure T2 which releases the sharpened ends 84 of thehooks 80 so that they spring outward into clamping contact with the hub54 and/or the exterior surface of the tissue structure T2. Before thesleeve 72 is retracted, it is in the position shown in FIGS. 21A and22A. In this position the sleeve 72 is spaced from the collar 92 by agap 96. A mechanism may be provided to selectively lock the sleeve 72 inthe forward position until it is desired to move the sleeve forward. Forexample, a ring (not shown) may be positioned in the gap 96 and thenremoved to slide the sleeve 72 to the position shown in FIG. 23A.

FIGS. 24-26 show the resulting anastomosis formed by the systemillustrated in FIGS. 16-23. As can be seen, the hooks 80 try to returnto their unbiased configuration and in doing so exert considerablecompressive force to sandwich the everted end E of the first tissuestructure T1 between the hub 54 and the second tissue structure T2,thereby providing a secure, fluid tight anastomosis. While FIGS. 24 and25 show the sharpened ends 84 of the hooks 80 engaging the second tissuestructure T2, in some embodiments the hub 54 will have a thickness whichprevents such engagement. These embodiments also produce a secureanastomosis due to the force exerted by the hooks 80 on the hub 54,which in turn exerts force against the end E of the first tissuestructure T1. This force, coupled with the force exerted against theinterior surface of the second tissue structure T2, ensures thatanastomosis is secure while providing fluid communication between thetwo tissue structures.

The hub 54 is preferably formed of stainless steel, a resilient polymer,or other suitable implantable materials, while the hooks 14 are formedof stainless steel, titanium, or other implantable materials.

FIG. 27 shows an additional embodiment of an anastomosis devicecomprising a hub 54A which includes an enlarged central portion 98. Thishub design may be desirable in applications requiring additionalrigidity, or when it is desired to space the hooks 80A from the exteriorsurface of the second tissue structure T2. In addition, in theembodiment of FIG. 27, the hooks 80A are reversed from the orientationused in FIGS. 16-26. That is, the closed ends 82A are positioned on theexterior of the second tissue structure T2 and the sharpened ends 84Aare positioned on the interior of the second tissue structure T2. If theanastomosis device of the invention is used in this configuration, thehooks 80A can be preloaded on the applier with the closed ends 82Adisposed in the slots 86 of the bore 62 in the body portion 56 of theapplier. The sharpened ends 84 thus would extend upward to allow the hub54A and the end E of the first tissue structure T1 to be engaged withthe hooks 80A. As such, in this embodiment a separate device preloadedwith the hooks would not be required to place the hooks in the applier.

FIG. 28 shows another embodiment of an anastomosis device comprising ahub 54B which comprises discrete segments 100B each configured toreceive and support a hook 80B. Each of the hub segments 100B has a pairof openings for receiving the legs of a hook 80B which first passthrough the everted end E of the first tissue structure T1. The hubsegments 100B preferably are joined to each other by a compliant member102B which permits relative movement between adjacent hub segments. Thisfeature provides flexibility in positioning of the hub with respect tothe hooks 80B. Thus, it is not necessary to precisely align the hub andthe hooks in order to engage the components. In addition, once theanastomosis has been formed and blood flow through the hollow tissuestructures resumes and the pressure increases, the hub may expand tofollow the contour of the tissue interface. The compliant member 102B ispreferably made of a resilient, biocompatible material such as silicone,ePTFE, surgical gauze or fabric, etc. As an alternative to joining thehub segments 100B to each other by compliant members 102B, the segmentscould instead be secured to a washer-like member (not shown) having anopening generally aligned with the opening in the hub 54B. Thewasher-like member is preferably made of the same material as thecompliant members 102B so as to permit relative movement of the hubsegments. Additionally, it should be understood that the hub maycomprise separate, discreet segments that are not attached by acompliant member but are secured to the tissue only by the hooks.

Referring to FIGS. 29A-30B, two embodiments of an anastomosis deviceconstructed according to another aspect of the invention will bedescribed. In these embodiments, a hub 110 receives and supports hooks112. The hooks 112 are formed of a rigid material and thus, unlike theprevious embodiments, are not manipulated from an initial configurationto a second configuration in order to store energy that is later used toapply a compressive force to the tissue structures. The hooks 112,however, are engaged with the first tissue structure Tl and are alsopositioned in the second tissue structure T2 in a first configuration.The hooks are then manipulated to a second configuration to secure thetissue structures together.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B, each hook 112 is generallyL-shaped and has one leg that is passed through an opening in the hub110 and the everted end E of the first tissue structure T1. The hub 110,hooks 112 and end E of the first tissue structure T1 are positionedagainst the exterior surface of the second tissue structure T2 by anapplier (not shown) to the position of FIG. 29A. From this position, theapplier is actuated to rotate the hooks 112 in the direction of thearrows approximately 90° to move the hooks from the first configurationto a second configuration in which the other leg of each hook is clampedagainst the interior surface of the second tissue structure T2, as shownin FIG. 29B. In the embodiment of FIGS. 30A and 30B, one leg of each ofa plurality of L-shaped hooks 112A is passed through the hub 110A andthe everted end E of the first tissue structure T1. An applier (notshown) may be used to position the hub 110A and hooks 112A as shown inFIG. 30A, and then actuated to rotate the hooks in the direction of thearrows to position the other legs of the hooks under the second tissuestructure T2. The hooks 112, 112A are preferably formed of stainlesssteel or other suitable implantable materials. The hub

It is desirable in these embodiments to tension the hooks in order toincrease the compressive force exerted against the tissue structures andensure a secure, fluid tight anastomosis. Any suitable tensioning meansmay be used. For example, a spring may be provided on the hub to biasthe hooks away from the second tissue structure T2, thereby clamping thetissue structures. Alternatively, the hooks may be tensioned and thenheld in place with respect to the hub by a lock nut or other fastener,the nut being held on the hook by friction or a positive lockingengagement. Further, each hook may be tensioned and then the portionthereof that is located outside the second tissue structure T2 severedto create a portion that is larger than the openings in the hub to lockthe hook and hub in place. Further still, a suture or cable may besecured to each hook, tensioned, and then tied off on the hub to lockthe relative position of the hub and hooks.

As a further alternative embodiment, the hooks may be comprises of amalleable material, such as stainless steel or other implantablematerials, which is formed in a first configuration and passed throughthe hub and the everted end of the first tissue structure, inserted intothe opening in the second tissue structure, and then mechanicallydeformed to a desired anchoring configuration which exerts compressiveforce on the respective tissue structures. A secondary mechanism forapplying and maintaining tension on the hooks, as discussed above, maybe used with this embodiment as well.

As yet another alternative embodiment, the hooks may be comprised of afairly rigid material formed in a first configuration, temporarilydeformed into a second configuration in order to pass part of each hookthrough the opening in the second tissue structure, and then released toassume the first configuration to clamp the respective tissuestructures. For example, the hooks could be L-shaped as shown in FIGS.29A-30B, and forced into a sheath having a diameter that permits it tobe passed through the opening O in the second tissue structure. Afterthe leg of each hook has been sufficiently passed into the opening, thesheath could be removed to allow the hooks to assume the L-shape andclamp the tissue structures.

The anastomosis systems disclosed above are preferably used while thepatient is on cardiopulmonary bypass, which may be established asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,803, the subject matter of which isincorporated by reference. It will be appreciated, however, that thesystems may be used while the patient's heart is beating by utilizinginstruments which serve to isolate at least a portion of the vascularconduits being anastomosed from blood flowing therethrough.

Many variations and modifications of the devices and methods disclosedherein will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. As such,it should be understood that the foregoing detailed description ofpreferred embodiments is made for purposes of setting forth a clear andcomplete disclosure, and is not intended to limit the scope of theinvention which is defined by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for anastomosing one hollow tissue structure to another hollow tissue structure, the method comprising steps of: passing a first portion of at least one anastomosis device through an end of a first hollow tissue structure, the anastomosis device being in a first configuration; positioning the end of the first hollow tissue structure and the first portion of the anastomosis device through an opening formed in a wall of a second hollow tissue structure; securing the first and second hollow tissue structures together by changing the configuration of the anastomosis device to compress the end of the first hollow tissue structure against the wall of the second hollow tissue structure without penetrating the anastomosis device into an inner wall of the second hollow tissue structure, wherein the first hollow tissue structure is secured in communication with the opening in the second hollow tissue.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the securing step is carried out by deforming the first portion of the anastomosis device against an inner surface of the wall of the second hollow tissue structure so that the end of the first hollow tissue structure and the wall of the second hollow tissue structure are compressed between the first portion and a second portion of the anastomosis device.
 3. A method for anastomosing one hollow tissue structure to another hollow tissue structure, the method comprising steps of: passing a first portion of at least one anastomosis device through an end of a first hollow tissue structure, the anastomosis device being in a first configuration; positioning the end of the first hollow tissue structure and the first portion of the anastomosis device through an opening formed in a wall of a second hollow tissue structure; and securing the first and second hollow tissue structures together by changing the configuration of the anastomosis device to compress the end of the first hollow tissue structure against the wall of the second hollow tissue structure without passing the anastomosis device through the second hollow tissue structure, wherein the first hollow tissue structure is secured in communication with the opening in the second hollow tissue; wherein a plurality of separate, unconnected anastomosis devices are used to secure the end of the first hollow tissue structure to the second hollow tissue structure.
 4. A method for anastomosing one hollow tissue structure to another hollow tissue structure, the method comprising steps of: passing a first portion of at least one anastomosis device through an end of a first hollow tissue structure, the anastomosis device being in a first configuration; positioning the end of the first hollow tissue structure and the first portion of the anastomosis device through an opening formed in a wall of a second hollow tissue structure; securing the first and second hollow tissue structures together by changing the configuration of the anastomosis device to compress the end of the first hollow tissue structure against the wall of the second hollow tissue structure without passing the anastomosis device through the second hollow tissue structure, wherein the first hollow tissue structure is secured in communication with the opening in the second hollow tissue; wherein each anastomosis device is generally L-shaped when in the first configuration and is generally C-shaped after said securing step.
 5. A method for anastomosing one hollow tissue structure to another hollow tissue structure, the method comprising steps of: providing a first hollow tissue structure having a lumen and an end adapted to be anastomosed to a second hollow tissue structure; forming an opening in the second hollow tissue structure; providing a tissue securing element having first and second ends, at least the first end being configured to be passed through tissue, wherein the tissue securing element is configured in a first orientation and is comprised of a material capable of being deformed to a second orientation which is different from the first orientation; passing the first end of the tissue securing element through the end of the first hollow tissue structure; positioning the first end of the tissue securing element and the end of the first hollow tissue structure within the opening in the second hollow tissue structure; and deforming the tissue securing element to the second orientation to compress the end of the first hollow tissue structure against the second hollow tissue structure without penetrating an external wall of the second hollow tissue structure.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the first hollow tissue structure is a vascular conduit and the second hollow body structure is a patient's aorta.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein said passing step is carried out by everting the end of the first hollow tissue structure and passing the first end of the tissue securing element through the everted end from an exterior surface of the first hollow tissue structure toward an interior surface of the first hollow tissue structure.
 8. The method of claim 5, wherein said deforming step is carried out so that the first end of the tissue securing element partially penetrates the second hollow tissue structure.
 9. An anastomosis system comprising: an applier comprising first and second relatively movable members; a plurality of separate, unconnected tissue securing members removably supported by at least one of first and second members, each tissue securing member having opposite ends one of which is configured to passed through a first hollow tissue structure, wherein each tissue securing member is in a first configuration; wherein the first and second members of the applier are moved relative to each other to form each tissue securing member into a second configuration which is different from the first configuration and compresses the first and second hollow tissue structures.
 10. The anastomosis system of claim 9, wherein the tissue securing members are comprised of a rigid material formed in said first configuration and are permanently deformed into said second configuration by moving the first and second members of the applier relative to each other.
 11. The anastomosis system of claim 9, wherein the tissue securing members are comprised of superelastic material formed in said second configuration and are resiliently biased from said second configuration into said first configuration by moving the first and second members of the applier relative to each other.
 12. The anastomosis system of claim 9, wherein the tissue securing members are comprised of a rigid material oriented in said second configuration and are repositioned so as to be oriented in said second configuration by moving the first and second members of the applier relative to each other.
 13. The anastomosis system of claim 9, further comprising a hub through which the tissue securing members are positioned. 